Queenstown Times: What makes you keep coming back to this job?
Mikey Proctor: This is my 10th season on the mountain. I come back for the people I work with and meet in the industry.
Who wants to sit in an office from nine till five watching the world go by out the window?
QT: What did you do before you took up this job?
MP: I have an extensive collection of hair nets and name tags and a grand total of three stage 1 university papers.
QT: How would you describe your work?
MP: As a roller-coaster ride of fun and excitement.
QT: What is the best thing about your job?
MP: Fabricating park features and then watching skiers and snowboarders shredding them.
QT: Which challenges do you face in the job?
MP: Weather is the major challenge. Lack of snow, winds and white-out days tend to make the job a little difficult.
QT: Which skills are needed in your job?
MP: You need to be handy on the end of a shovel, have the ability to problem solve - and most importantly have a good sense of humour.
QT: What is your best advice to people who move to Queenstown for seasonal work?
MP: Get here a little early to sort out accommodation.
Be patient when sourcing work and even though you are only here for the season, treat the town with respect.
Don't forget to have a good time, too. That's why we are all here.
QT: What has been your most amusing on-the-job experience so far this season?
MP: Getting off the chairlift carrying a spork (a terrain park tool) and accidently clopping Justin (a fellow terrain park worker) in the family jewels with the end of it.
Not that funny for him, but I had a giggle ... and yes, I do owe him a box of beers.
